Four people have been arrested and firearms and drugs seized during a police operation targeting suspected criminal activity around Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Texas.
The Austin Police Department said the arrests followed an investigation prompted by increased crime, complaints from residents and a rise in calls for service in the free-use area near the pool.
Reported incidents included aggravated robbery, vehicle burglary, suspected narcotics offences and calls about suspicious people. Officers from the South Metro Tactical Unit carried out coordinated operations in the park during August and September before executing arrest warrants on 24 September.
Four arrested in Zilker Park operation
Andre Bailey, 32, has been charged with five counts of delivery of a controlled substance. He has been ordered to stay away from Barton Springs Pool and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Reginald Williams, 38, faces three counts of unlawfully carrying a weapon, three counts of delivery of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana in a drug-free zone. His bail conditions require him to stay away from Zilker Park and avoid any new arrests or offences.
Christopher Cox, 34, has been charged with two counts of delivery of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana in a drug-free zone. He has been told to avoid the Barton Springs Pool area and have no contact with his co-defendant.
Mark Vara, 33, faces one count of delivery of a controlled substance. His bail conditions include staying away from Zilker Park and having no contact with Bailey.
All four are due to appear in court on 6 November. Williams remained in Travis County Jail on 2 October, according to police and court records.
Police said the operation involved the South Metro Tactical Unit, the Narcotics K9 Unit, the department’s unmanned aircraft team and patrol officers.
Officers seized six firearms and ammunition, as well as an adjustable propane blowtorch gun. They also recovered about nine pounds of marijuana, 51 grams of cocaine, 20 grams of Xanax, 13 grams of methamphetamine, 55 grams of psilocybin and 2 grams of LSD.
The Austin Police Department said the additional charges were based on criminal activity observed during the operation. The allegations have not been tested in court.
